Education and Experience
I am the owner of Absolute Builders, a residential renovation company; President of our HOA, Jarvis Creek Subdivision POA, and President of the Jonesville Preservation Society.
I am running to represent ALL the voices of Ward 1. Residents feel like they are left out of the conversations impacting their communities, I will make sure they are not. The threat of overdevelopment in Ward 1 is very real. Bailey's Cove is a prime example. This is why I started the Jonesville Preservation Society, (JPS). I wanted to reach out to all residents and make sure they were aware what future plans were being discussed for their communities. The overdevelopment problem can be addressed through zoning. I will work to change zoning to support a Resident Focused Future. The residents of the island should have a say in the future plans of this island, this is our home.
I do not support the proposed 278 Corridor Project. I believe there is a better way to address our current traffic issues, other than the proposed "super slab" bridge. The airport expansion will Destroy a Historic Gullah church. This will also causes issues regarding safety noise and quality of life in the surrounding communities.
I support Mom and Pop businesses that make our island so unique. I will work to increase support for organizations that promote the Gullah culture on the island. We must find a way to balance the tourism and residential quality of life on the island. I believe this can be done through zoning.
At face value, the Northpoint project looks good. However, I see many issues that have not been addressed yet, issues such as traffic flows, children going to school, drainage, and pedestrian safety, just to name a few. I would suggest looking into converting abandoned commercial buildings into residential living. The building footprint and the parking already exist. This would be a good cost effective measure to address the housing issue we have on the island. This would be a small step in the right direction.
Since the rise of Airbnb and VRBO, Short-Term Rentals have exploded on Hilton Head Island. STRs directly affect affordable housing. The high tourism occupancy rates cause more traffic. STRs create nuisance for neighbors with noise, parking, trash and are a fire safety hazard. I do not support STRs in traditionally residential communities in Ward 1. I believe Short-Term Rentals should be required to have adequate parking, proper occupancy, and proper enforce of fire and safety codes, just like ALL other types of accommodations in SC. If we truly want to be an elite tourist destination, then we must have elite rules and regulations reflecting that. If not, then we are no different than any other vacation destination.
Campaign Phone
843-290-5943
In my first term, we achieved a lot, but there’s more to do for Ward 1 and our Island. I’m running to continue representing young families, retirees, Gullah neighbors, new citizens, the workforce, and small business owners. I’ve served as Finance and Administration Chair, on the Gullah Geechee Community Development Corp Board, Island Rec Board, and Northpoint Advisory Committee. I’ve kept promises, balanced the budget, and increased reserves. Priorities include resolving the Gateway Corridor, growth management, workforce housing, economic opportunities, infrastructure, and ensuring transparency in Town spending.
The airport expansion is a County project funded by State and Federal grants, so no Town tax dollars are needed. The improvements in safety, efficiency, and traveler experience benefit our community. Regarding the Gateway Corridor, I’ve invested time to address its earlier deficiencies. Revisions have reduced the right-of-way in Stoney, requiring less land and improving traffic safety. The creation of the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation ensures representation. There's also a focus on landscaping, safer bridges, and pedestrian crossings. I’m committed to thoughtful leadership in redevelopment for the benefit of all citizens and neighborhoods.
Our economic viability and quality of life on Hilton Head Island depend on an available, capable, and retainable workforce. To address this, Town Council adopted a Housing Framework plan, created a Housing Action Committee, and allocated staff, funding, and land. Northpoint will provide excellent housing for our essential workforce, and I support future public-private partnerships in appropriate locations to ensure affordable costs and programs. These developments must create neighborhoods that make us proud. I also support homeownership through Habitat for Humanity, which we funded this year for land acquisition.
The Town recently published data on short term rentals, and I support sensible regulations on parking, occupancy, and safety. These will be discussed transparently at Town Council with full public input before decisions are made. I’m concerned about the pressure short term rentals place on full-time residents seeking housing and the safety issues caused by high occupancy in some rentals. I support home rule, allowing our Town to tailor regulations to our unique conditions. I do not support the State imposing a “one size fits all” approach to this issue.
